At first glance, Russell Brand looks like he is having a whale of a time relaxing poolside in Los Angeles with wife Katy Perry.

However, on closer inspection, the lady showing off her figure in a tight black swimsuit is not Katy, but a brunette who looks astonishingly like the Firework singer.

Perhaps Brand's new friend was just keeping him company by the hotel pool in Miami as Katy was struck down with food poisoning over the weekend - so much so that she was forced to reschedule two of her planned concerts.

She later promised: 'I am going to return in a few weeks to give them the very best show ever!'

Brand wore a pair of white patterned swimming shorts as he chilled out with his new friend on Sunday.

But Katy was clearly fully appraised of the situation as later in the day, the couple were seen out together stopping at a fruit stand in Los Angeles.

The pictures of the pair together, a rarity in recent months, are set to dismiss rumours their nine-month marriage it in trouble.

Chilling out: The pair looked comfortable in each other's company as they relaxed in the pool